In the wake of a fatal accident, many families are faced with economic challenges on top of the devastating emotional loss that comes with the death of a loved one. Medical bills, lost wages and funeral expenses can put a serious strain on any family, but these are nothing compared to the loss of companionship experienced by the decedent’s loved ones.
If you have lost a loved one due to the negligence of another party, you have a right to pursue a wrongful death personal injury lawsuit. Wrongful death lawsuits are designed to compensate the victim’s family for the losses they have suffered. These losses can include both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic losses are those for which a concrete dollar value can be established. Examples include medical bills, costs associated with burial, and estimated lost wages over the duration of the decedent’s working life. Proper compensation for economic losses is especially important in cases involving the death of a family breadwinner, as the fatal accident could leave the victim’s family without any other means of drawing an income.
Non-economic losses are much more difficult to quantify. These damages are associated with the mental and emotional toll that the death has had upon the family. Non-economic losses include the pain and suffering endured by the victim before death, loss of companionship among the family members and emotional distress. The economic value that can be applied to these damages is often the subject of debate; your personal injury attorney can help you develop strategies to maximize your recovery from a wrongful death lawsuit.
If you are considering a wrongful death lawsuit, the attorneys at Tipp & Buley will provide personalized, compassionate legal support. To schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our skilled lawyers, call our Missoula law office at 406-812-7634 or visit our website. Our goal is to help your family recover the full compensation to which you are entitled.